Want to learn to backpack or climb a mountain? These classes are for you

Ever wanted to backpack through some of the Northwest’s most beautiful wild places? Or climb to the top of one of its stunning peaks?

If the answer to either is “yes,” the InterMountain Alpine Club has classes for you.

The club is offering an eight-week Backpacking School and a 10-week Mountaineering School.

Both are free and open to the public, with classes kicking off in March.

Backpacking classes are at 6:30 p.m. Mondays from March 5 to April 23 at the Richland Public Library. Practical exercises will be held on Wednesdays.

The course is designed for first-time backpackers with no outdoor knowledge. The deadline to register for the backpacking course is Feb. 26. To sign up, email casey.landru@gmail.com.

The Mountaineering School is designed for people with a little more experience. Participants should have spent some time on trail, have access to proper clothing and shoes, be in good physical shape and be willing to learn and help others when needed.

Classes are 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Columbia Basin College, starting March 6.Practical exercises will be held on Wednesdays and some weekends.

The course culminates in a climb of one of the region’s volcanoes.

The deadline to sign up for Mountaineering School is Feb. 20. To register, email imac.climbing@gmail.com or flashpointfitness@yahoo.com.

This story was originally published February 5, 2018 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Want to learn to backpack or climb a mountain? These classes are for you."